Here's why vets recommend checking your dog's paws after every autumn walk

As autumn arrives, the risk of heatstroke fades, but that doesn't mean we can let our guard down. Just like any other season, walks require a bit of vigilance. There are always bits of debris on the pavement, as well as creatures or parasites to watch out for – and now, autumn's own unique hazards.

According to Dr Louisa Sidwa, a vet at CityVet in Rockwall, Texas, these new risks are often hard to spot before they turn into a real problem. That is why it is so important to get into the habit of checking your dog after every autumn walk.

What lies beneath the fallen leaves

As picture-perfect as those blankets of autumn leaves can look, they hide several hazards that can easily get stuck in your dog's paws – and sometimes even their fur:

• Acorns: their hard shells can damage teeth if chewed, and swallowing them can cause tummy troubles or even pose a choking hazard.
• Chestnut husks: these prickly casings can easily get wedged between your dog's pads, causing irritation, pain and puncture wounds.
• Pine needles: these pose a similar risk to chestnut husks, with the same potential to pierce or irritate delicate paws.
• Stones and broken glass: while not unique to autumn, they are much harder to spot when hidden under fallen leaves.

Left untreated, a simple puncture wound can easily become infected over time. Dr Sidwa recommends avoiding streets covered in thick leaves or debris where possible, especially when it is hard to see what you are stepping on.

The simple post-walk routine to adopt

The good news is that it only takes a few minutes to protect your four-legged friend. Here is the routine recommended when you get back from a walk:

1. Wipe each paw with a cloth or dog-safe wipe to remove any loose debris.
2. Inspect every pad and the spaces between their toes to check for anything stuck inside.
3. Gently remove any visible objects by hand or with a clean pair of tweezers.
4. Consult a vet if an object is embedded too deeply to be removed safely at home.
5. Dry the paws thoroughly to prevent irritation and keep their pads healthy.

This quick check takes just a couple of minutes, but it can save you from lengthy treatments and an unexpected trip to the vet. Autumn is a wonderful season for dog walks – we just need to add this simple little habit to our routine.